WHAT DOES “OZRENSKA JESEN” BRING THIS YEAR?

PETROVO – The cultural and tourism event “Ozrenska Jesen” (Ozren Autumn) was officially opened in Petrovo by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska, Anđelka Kuzmić. Over 60 exhibitors from both the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered to showcase a wide range of products – from handicrafts and artworks to agricultural goods and confectionery.

PHOTO: SRNA

Minister Kuzmić expressed her satisfaction with both the diversity of the offerings and the turnout of exhibitors.

“Events like this show us the strength of our people – our local production and traditions. It is our duty to support and help preserve that,” said Kuzmić.

This is the 11th edition of the event, held at Terme Ozren in Kakmuž, organized by the Center for Information, Culture and Sports “Petrovo” with support from the municipality and sponsors.

The Mayor of Petrovo, Ozren Petković, stated that the fair reflects the diverse potential of the Ozren region and the dedication of its hardworking people.

One of the notable participants, Vojin Nedić from the village of Sižja, presented his traditional goat dairy products along with some unique innovations – acorn coffee and “vodnjika”, a fermented drink.

“Vodnjika is made from wild apples and pears, rosehip, sloe, hawthorn, aronia, and juniper,” explained Nedić. He noted that the beverage is known for boosting the immune system and is consumed once daily.

As for the acorn coffee, which is said to be beneficial for the thyroid and bones, Nedić described it as being brewed like regular coffee but with a lighter color and more bitter taste, as it is not sweetened. The coffee grounds are also consumed.

Ozrenska Jesen is held as part of the celebration of Miholjsdan – the Patron Saint Day of the Petrovo Municipality.

As part of the celebration, the 29th Miholjsdan Chess Tournament was held at Terme Ozren. On Tuesday, students of the “Vuk Karadžić” Elementary School will participate in a Fall Masquerade Parade through Ozrenskih Odreda Street.

Wednesday will see the 7th Jugoslav Jokić – Turšija Memorial Football Match between FK Ozren (Petrovo) and FK Zvijezda (Kakmuž), scheduled for 6:00 PM at the Lužanjak Stadium.

On Thursday, October 9, flowers will be laid at memorial sites in all local communities, followed by a voluntary blood donation drive on Friday starting at 8:00 AM. Later that day, an icon exhibition from the Painting Workshop will open at 6:00 PM, followed by the 14th Miholjsdan Folklore Showcase at 7:00 PM.

On Saturday, October 11, the 9th Table Tennis Tournament will take place.

The main celebration, on Sunday, October 12, will begin at 9:00 AM with a memorial service for fallen soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska at the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin in Petrovo. At 11:00 AM, flowers will be laid in the Memorial Room.

A ceremonial session of the Municipal Assembly will follow, during which awards will be presented to distinguished individuals, organizations, and collectives. A religious service and breaking of the traditional Slava bread is scheduled for 1:00 PM.